2015 Ford B-MAX 1.4L Petrol · FL65 XAD

The 2015 Ford B-Max presented a current MOT pass certificate dated 24 September 2025, indicating roadworthy status at the time of test. However, the maintenance trend cannot be described as fully stable because a recurring advisory concerning the rear axle front mounting bushes has been logged across the last three consecutive tests, with the wording progressing from "just starting to separate slightly" in 2023 to "deteriorating and separating" by 2025. Although these items remain within advisory limits rather than failure categories, the steady deterioration in language suggests progressive wear that should not be ignored. Additionally, a Major defect was issued on 25 September 2024 for an inoperative offside stop lamp, which was evidently rectified to allow a same-day pass on re-test, and a persistent advisory on nearside rear tyre sidewall damage has been carried forward from 2024 into 2025, indicating that this issue has not been physically resolved despite the vehicle continuing to pass. The recorded mileage of 27,425 miles over an eleven-year service life equates to approximately 2,493 miles per year, which is markedly low for a vehicle of this age and well below the typical 7,000 to 10,000 mile annual usage expected of a small family MPV. The MOT history confirms relatively even accumulation with no evidence of rapid mileage clustering or extended standing periods between tests, yet the cumulative annual figure remains modest. Mechanically, this pattern reduces wear on major drivetrain and engine components such as the clutch, turbocharger and brake friction material, but it elevates the risk of time-dependent degradation including corrosion of ferrous components, perishing of rubber and plastic elements, oxidation of brake discs from infrequent use, and deterioration of lubricants and coolants through calendar ageing rather than mileage accumulation. The vehicle has effectively been used as a low-mileage second car or occasional-use runabout, and its mechanical condition should be assessed accordingly. Given the recurring advisory relating to the rear axle front mounting bushes, the prospective buyer should arrange for the vehicle to be placed on a ramp for a close physical inspection of the rear torsion beam axle assembly. These bushes control rear wheel geometry and ride stability, and as they continue to separate the driver may notice increased road noise transmitted into the cabin, a vague or wandering feel over uneven surfaces, and uneven inner-edge tyre wear as rear tracking becomes compromised. It is advisable to budget for replacement in the near term even if not yet at failure threshold. The persistent nearside rear tyre sidewall damage advisory also warrants a careful hands-on inspection of the affected tyre for any bulging, cracking or exposed cord, as sidewall damage can progress rapidly to an unsafe condition and the same tyre has now been flagged at two consecutive tests. Beyond the documented advisories, the low annual mileage and eleven-year age of this B-Max require several time-based checks irrespective of MOT outcome. All four tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking and perishing caused by age rather than wear, even if tread depth remains adequate. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as units of this vintage commonly suffer reduced cranking performance after prolonged standing or partial discharge cycles. Brake calipers and sliders are prone to seizing when used infrequently, so each wheel should be rocked by hand with the vehicle raised to confirm free rotation without binding, and the brake discs inspected for surface rust that may have caused uneven contact patches. Finally, verification of full service history stamps is essential, with particular attention to the timing belt replacement interval, the age and condition of the coolant, brake fluid and transmission oil, and the condition of underbody and suspension components for any corrosion commensurate with the vehicle's exposure to winter road salt during its eleven years of service.